Notes on rovers: Rovers were used today by the media, we could not use
Opportunity for our planned EVA as they were using it. Curiosity was
not present at the base when we came back from EVA, where we checked
the batteries levels.
# Hours the ATVs were Used today: 0
Notes on ATVs: ATVs were taken out of active service and are now
parked away from the station

HabCar used and why, where? No
CrewCar used and why, where? No

General notes and comments: This afternoon and evening are very windy,
we had to securize some of the tunnels tarps with zips. One on the RAM
tunnel had to be removed and placed in the RAM. Temperature in the hab
dropped from 23°C to 19°C, heater is working, it is improving.

Summary of internet: Nothing to report.

Summary of suits and radios: we performed an EVA this morning to
study the radio coverage, everything was alright. Ventilation of
spacesuit 10 sometimes stops before starting later. Spacesuit 3 still
not functional.

Summary of Hab operations: we catched a mouse yesterday night, which
we released today far from the Hab during EVA.

Purpose of EVA: 1) Map out locations that allow radio communication
between EVA crew and HabCom around Phobos Peak 2) Test how EVAs can
safely and effectively be conducted with three-member crew, including
rover use.

Start time: 10:35

End time: 12:30

Narrative: The media filming around the Hab this morning, we had to
delay a bit our planned EVA. In addition, in agreement with Shannon
they were using the rovers, so we had to change our plans and perform
a walking EVA. We chose to go to Phobos Peak, which we could not reach
on our EVA monday, to map the radio coverage.
The walking went very fine (30mn to get to Phobos Peak), once there,
we walked north up to Mountain Goat Trail before coming back to the
Hab by the north. Radio link was pretty clear all along, we estimated
that Phobos Peak could be a very good location to settle a radio relay
(to explore eastern areas) and may be accessible on its northern side.
We are currently processing the acquired data (radio check every 2mn +
GPS positions) to complete our radio coverage map.

Sol Activity Summary: Each morning, the first object I see when I look
out the east window is the silhouette of Phobos Peak Rock as the
rising sun lights it up from behind. We had a beautiful sunrise this
morning and Phobos Peak Rock emerged all the more majestic than usual.
I was happy to remember that it was our approved geographical
destination for our EVA. We conducted another 3 crew EVA and walked to
Phobos Peak. We then explored its surrounding areas, discovering a
curious aluminum object near the peak, which we returned to the
habitat for investigation. Winds became violent shortly after our
return, but we celebrated our successful EVA safely inside our habitat
with a dish of quinoa peppered with oregano from the GreenHab.

Look Ahead Plan: We will continue conducting 3 crew EVAs and mapping
radio strength and connectivity. We will also continue our
collaborative projects.

Anomalies in work: Heavy winds caused minor damage in the tunnels,
which we repaired. Heating system in the habitat has been working on
and off; it appears to be working now but we will continue monitoring
it.

Weather: Snow melting; clear in the morning but clouds and heavy winds
developed in the early afternoon.

EVA: A walking EVA was conducted at and around Phobos Peak. We
continued our communication protocol to assess radio strength and
connectivity in areas around the habitat. Our EVA was almost exactly
two hours.

As we prepare for breakfast, we decide on which Rovers we would like
to take on today’s EVA. I look out the window. The rovers are gone. I
suppose the robots are using them…

So change of plans. We have to do a walking EVA. Well, THEY do. It’s
my turn to do HabCom!I’ve been looking forward to this. Not because I
don’t like to walk around in a clunky spacesuit (I’d be on the wrong
planet if I did), but because I can get a different perspective as an
observer and director. I get Antoine and Lindsay set up with their
gloves and comms, squirming around their ECLSS backpacks. I allow them
to enter the airlock and begin depressurization. I look above through
the window to see them walk down the balcony and off to Phobos Peak.

It’s a rather boring HabCom. All of the places the team went to had at
least comprehend-able connection, though I suppose it is good to know
where we still have great coverage. I’m happy with my team, conducting
another successful mission.

The day is spreading by, the days are moving faster. Is tomorrow
Thursday? Is it really that close? I think of my home, my parents
eager to see me for Christmas. My friends who are done with finals and
can finally hang out. I feel the crisp chill of a Texas winter. It was
a distant thought only a few days ago, but now it’s nearly tangible.

I wonder if I will ever be here again. If this moment on the dusty
planet will be my last.
Even more pressing, I wonder if my work here will make a difference.

“You are clear to enter the airlock”

An abrupt wind storm sweeps the region. The tunnels that connect the
secure building are shaking. Antoine goes out to fix it. Realizing the
severity, he calls for help. Lindsay starts to put on her coat. Do I
go? Should I stay? What if the tunnel rips apart and I’m the only one
alive? I end up following them after a few minutes. The wind is strong
and rattling the whole structure. We make the decision to come back
inside, it’d be better to wait the storm than be so vulnerable.

Mars is not safe. There are people back home depending on our sense of
precaution and protocol to come back home. Moments like these make me
think of the real scenario, if I can make the calls to make sure that
happens.

Field Season #18

About The MDRS

The Mars Desert Research Station in the Utah desert was established by the Mars Society in 2001 to better educate researchers, students and the general public about how humans can survive on the Red Planet. It is the second Mars analogue habitat after the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station was established in 2000.

Over 200 crews of six-person teams have lived in 1-2 week field visits at MDRS to simulate life on the Martian surface. Researchers and students alike have explored the Mars-like terrain in the area surrounding the station in full “spacesuits”, maintained the station’s systems, grown plants in the GreenHab to support themselves and even recycled their waste water.

Our activities at MDRS are not only about informing the public, but also conducting real research to bring humanity that much closer to the reality of human exploration on the planet Mars.

Annual field seasons at MDRS run approx. October through May. Anybody can apply to be on a crew, and we also need volunteers to help with the project.